GIFT  OF 


/  n  ^  / 


245 


A  MEMORIAL  /0   /Ae    General  .Assembly,  from  the 

pointed  for  that  purpose,  by  the  Internal*  fTnprm'emVni> 
tion,  held  at  Springfield,  Missouri,  in  October,  1846. 


To  the  Honorable  the  General  Assembly  of  (he  Stale  of  Missouri: 

The  undersigned  committee,  appointed  by  the  convention  held  at  Spring- 
field, on  the  22d  of  October  last,  to  make  n  statistical  report  on  the  subject 
of  internal  improvements,  and  to  forward  the  same  to  the  members  of  the 
Legislature  from  the  southwest,  beg  leave  to  state  that  they  have  not  yet 
been  able  to  cojlect  such  desired  information  as  fully  as  they  deem  contem- 
plated by  the  resolution — owing  to  other  necessary  engagements  and  un- 
controllable causes.  They,  however,  cannot  willingly  disregard  the  ex- 
pressed wish  of  so  large  and  respectable  a  convention,  assembled  as  it  was 
with  the  patriotic  view  of  giving  an  impetus  to  great  and  important  inter- 
ests of  the  State;  expressing,  too,  on  the  subject  of  internal  improvements, 
tht  lively  and  almost  undivided  sentiments  of  the  people  of  the  southwes- 
tern portion  of  the  State;  an^  we  therefore,  most  respectfully  submit  tho 
following  facts  and  suggestions,  for  the  consideration  of  the  honorable 
members  designated  in  the  resolutions  of  our  appointment. 

The  undersigned  most  heartily  concur  in  the  sentiments  set  forth  in  the 
very  able  and  patriotic  preamble  and  resolutions  adopted  by  that  conven- 
tion; and,  in  their  opinion,  no  reflecting  man  will  deny,  that  the  State  is  in 
duty  bound  to  provide  for  the  general  welfare,  to  promote  the  interests 
and  well  being  of  all  its  parts,  uninfluenced  by  sectional  feeling. 

To  facilitate  trade  between  different  places,  to  render  the  conveyance  of 
products  and  merchandize  less  expensive  and  more  certain,  so  as  to  give 
to  the  producer  and  trader  the  choice  of  different  markets,  enabling  them 
to  bring  in  return  the  conveniences,  the  necessaries,  and  even  the  luxuries 
of  life,  from  other  countries,  thereby  promoting  the  wealth  and  happiness 
of  the  community,  is  an  obligation  based  in  the  social  compact,  which  pub- 
lic authority  cannot  willfully  disregard,  without  treading  in  the  dust  the 
first  foundations  of  political  organization.  So,  at  least,  thought  the  foun- 
ders of  our  constitution, -when  they  engrafted  in  that  instrument,  the 
clause  declaring  that  internal  improvements  should  forever  be  encouraged 
in  this  State — a  clause  then  deemed  a  star  in  our  organic  laws,  foreboding 
much  good  to  the  future;  and  we  hope  its  light  is  not  less  cheering  now, 
than  it  was  a  quarter  of  a  century  a"go,  for  surely  the  State  is  not  receding 
from  its  first  steps  towards  political  perfection. 

Notwithstanding  it  was  an  object  of  the  Springfield  convention  to  en- 
deavor to  awaken  a  spirit  of  enquiry,  and  an  interest  on  the  subject  of  in- 
ternal improvements  throughout  the  State,  yet,  as  the  convention  assem- 
bled from  its  southwestern  portion,  this  committee  presume  they  will  not 
be  considered  sectional  in  their  remarks,  by  confining  them  principally  to 
the  objects  of  improvement  within  this  region. 

In  compliance  with  that  portion  of  the  constitution  which  enjoins  upon 
the  General  Assembly,  to  make  provision  by  law,  for  ascertaining  the  most 
proper  objects  of  improvement,  several  important  surve}  s  have  been  made; 
and,  that  the  Osage  river  is  the  first  and  most  proper  object  of  improve* 
ment,  within  the  express  meaning  of  the  constitution,  we  presume  there  is 
no  diversity  of  opinion. 

319038 


2  16  APPENDIX. 

ID*  the  .year  ,-lSiO,  a  scientific  survey  of  this  river  was  made,  from  its 
-nio-uth- 10  the  krwii  oi  Os"ceoJa,  under  the  direction  of  the  then  existing 
board  uf  internal  improvement,  with  a  view  to  its  being  made  navigable. 
Pei  haps  no  river  is  more  susceptable  of  easy  improvement,  or  will  afford 
greater  advantages,  when  improved,  than  this  stream.  It  consists  of  a  suc- 
cession ot  pools,  averaging,  as  far  as  surveyed,  '23-7  miles  in  length,  and 
from  5  to  20  feet  in  depth  at  low  water — resembling  a  chain  of  beautiful 
lakes  of  unobsti  ucted  navigation,  as  far  as  relates  to  them — and,  these  pools 
are  separated  by  gravelly  shoals,  which  constitute  the  principle  obstruc- 
tion to  steamboat  navigation,  as  snags  are  by  no  means  numerous,  owing 
to  the  great  stability  of  the  banks,  and  the  very  little  sand  in  which  to  em- 
bed themselves.  The  extent  of  the  river,  following  its  meanderings,  so  far 
as  surveyed,  is  '229  miles,  the  number  of  shoals  in  this  distance  being  only 
98,  and  the  average  fall  in  the  river  barely  8£  inches  per  mile,  while  the 
maximum  range  ot  the  river,  from  high  to  low  water,  is  about  27  feet; 
thus  showing  its  extreme  gentleness  and  susceptibility  ofea?y  improve- 
ment. 

Mr.  Morell,  the  engineer,  who  surveyed  the  river,  presented  in  his  re- 
port his  plan  for  improving  it,  which,  he  thinks,  would  make  it  navigable 
for  a  considerable  portion  of  the  year — estimating  the  cost  of  improvement, 
as  far  a  surveyed,  to  about  $200,000.  The  urisurveyed  portion  of  the  riv- 
er, from  the  town  of  Osceola  to  the  State  line,  is  also,  doubtless,  suscepta- 
ble  of  being  made  navigable  for  steamboats,  as  they  have  already  ascended 
as  high  up  as  the  Old  Harmony  Mission,  in  Bates  county.  The  district  of 
country  above  the  junction  ot  Sac  river,  is  of  a  very  level  character;  and 
though  the  volume  of  water  in  the  main  Osage  becomes  much  less,  the 
strtam  becomes  narrower,  while  the  banks  retain  their  usual  height,  and 
it  still  remains  sufficiently  wide  for  navigable  purposes. 

The  extent  of  territory  which  would  be  directly  benefitted  by  the  im- 
provement of  this  river,  comprises  about  one-fourth  of  the  State;  and  the 
engineer,  in  his  report,  estimates  the  pecur/iary  advantages,  in  a  commer- 
cial view  alone,  aiising  Irom  the  lessened  expense  of  shipping  produce  from 
the  country  and  merchandize  in  return,  which  would  accrue  to  the  people 
thus  directly  interested,  by  means  of  this  navigation,  at  $'229,563  annually. 
This  calculation  was  made  in  1840,  and  taking  it  as  a  correct  standard* 
and  considering  at  the  same  time  the  increase  in  population,  in  agricultural 
products,  and  the  consumption  of  imported  merchandize,  we  are  induced 
to  believe  that  those  •advantages  would  now  be  at  least  a  half  million  an- 
nually, while  the  costs  of  constructing  the  works  would  be  considerably 
less,  on  account  of  the  accumulation  of 'labor  and  depreciation  in  its  price 
since  that  time. 

To  accomplish  that  by  the  joint  efforts  and  combined  strength  of  the 
whole,  which  individuals  cannot  singly  perform,  stands  conspicuous  among 
the  primary  objects  for  constituting  government. — The  improvement  of 
this  river  should  not  be  left  to  individual  enterprize  alone.  Policy  de- 
mands that  it  should  be  performed  by  the  strong  arm  of  the  State.  Nature 
has  opened  this  noble  channel  into  a  region  where  she  has  planted  her  re- 
sources, various  and  unbounded.  Individual  enterprize  will  develope  the 
latter,  whenever  the  State  shall  overcome  the  obstructions  of  the  former; 
and  it  is  by  such  works  as  these,  that  a  State  accomplishes  the  high  pur- 
poses of  her  destination — instils  a  universal  love  of  country,  because  indi- 
vidual perfection  is  thereby  enhanced,  and  eiects  the  monuments  of  her 
own  durability  and  glory. 


:* 

APPENDIX.  217 

But  the  pecuniary  profit-;,  as  above  stated,  are  but  few  of  the  advantages 
which  would  accrue  from  the  desired  works  of  improvement.  They  would 
cause  a  development  of  our  natural  resources;  and  stores  of  rntive  wealth 
have  been  scattered  throughout  this  region,  by  the  hand  of  Providence, 
with  much  profusion.  The  soil,  whether  of  prairie  or  timber,  upland  or 
bottoms,  is  generally  fertile.  The  streams,  whether  tributaries  of  the 
Osage,  South  Grand,  or  of  White  river,  all  afford  excellent,  water-power, 
offering  ffreat  manufacturing  advantages,  while  in  the  immediate  neighbor- 
hood of  many  of  these  natural  site?,  iron  ore  of  fine  quality  abound  in  abun- 
dance. Localities  of  lead,  too,  are  extensive;  coal,  in  many  parts,  is  inex- 
haustible, and  specimens  of  copper  ore  have  been  obtained  from  several  lo- 
calities, ranging  from  the  north  side  of  the  Osage  to  the  borders  of  White 
river,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  these  localities  nmy  be  developed,,  and, 
at  some  future  time,  become  as  celebrated  as  the  mines  of  Cornwall. 

Strong  inducements,  too,  are  held  out  to  the  agriculturist;  though  our 
winters  are  mild,  the  various  grasses  flourish  as  finely  as  in  higher  and 
more  northern  latitudes,  and  no  country  is  better  adapted  to  the  growth  of 
the  various  grains,  as  well  as  of  hemp  and  tobacco. 

We  have  thus  hastily  glanced  at  some  of  the  natural  resources  of  this  re- 
gion, because  we  are  aware  that  the  necessity  and  value  of  internal  im- 
provements are  much  dependant  upon  them.  Yet,  with  all  these  natural 
blessings,  the  people  are  not  sufficiently  prosperous.  No  people  ever  did  or 
ever  can  prosper,  who  have  not  the  facilities  of  trade — ->f  exchanging  their 
commodities  with  other  people  and  other  countries.  The  expense  and 
trouble  of  transporting  the  surplus  oroduce  to  market,- chills  the  nerves  of 
industry?  and  men  of  enterprize  and  capital  are  averse  to  locating  in  a  coun- 
try deprived  of  navigation  or  other  means  of  circulating  trade. 

Let  the  State,  then,  awaken  to  these  considerations  and  give  us  these 
facilities,  and  a  great  change  will  be  felt  in  southwest  Missouri.  No  mat- 
ter in  what  point  of  view  this  subject  is  examined,  the  State  must  re- 
ceive great  advantages  from  making  these  works  of  improvement.  They 
will  prove  a  source  of  revenue.  The  wealth  and  strength  of  the  State 
is  ever  concurrent  with  and  dependent  upon  the  wealth  and  prosperity 
of  her  citizens.  Experience  proves,  that  lands  lying  in  the  vicinity  of 
navigable  streams,  though  of  no  better  quality  than  those  in  the  inte- 
rior, are  still  of  four-fold  value.  By  these  improvements,  then,  the 
value  of  property  would  be  enhanced,  population  increased,  vast  tracts 
of  Government  lands  be  sold  and  become  subject  to  taxation,  capital 
would  flow  into  the  country,  all  the  various  interests  of  the  community, 
the  agricultural,  manufacturing  and  commercial,  be  brought  into  active 
operation;  universal  opulence  would  follow,  as  a  natural  consequence^ 
and  the  treasury  be  supplied  by  these  new  sources  of  revenue. 

If  the  State,  then,  by  now  making  the  small  appropriation  of  $200,000y 
would,  in  a  very  short  time,  receive,  as  a -consequence  thereof,  the  same 
or  perhaps  a  greater  amount  into  the  treasury  annually,  would  she  not 
act  the  part  of  wisdom  by  so  doing?  These  are  works  which,  if  ac- 
complished at  all,  must  be  accomplished  by  the  State;  for,  we  presume, 
Missouri,  cherishing  as  she  does  such  lively  feelings  of  State  pride,  and 
so  strong  an  adherence  to  a  strict  construction  of  the  federal  constitu- 
tion, will  not  ask  of  the  Federal  Government  a  direct  appropriation  for 
these  interior  purposes. 

This  committee  apprehend  that  if  the  State  should  fail  to   engage  in 


248  APPENDIX. 

these  works,  the  failure  will  be  occasioned  by  prudential  motives  and 
a  dislike  to  involve  the  State  in  debt.  Missouri,  in  this  respect,  may 
be  considered  the  mother  of  prudence,  having  existed  as  a  State  for 
more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century,  without  laying  her  hand,  in  a  single 
instance,  to  any  work  of  the  kind!  Unkind  insinuations  that  she  de- 
sires to  see  her  vast  territory,  with  all  its  natural  advantages  and  inex- 
haustable  resources,  remain  forever  in  a  state  of  nature,  should  be  in- 
dignantly repelled,  for  they  are  the  sentiments  of  the  wild  Indian,  and 
belong  exclusively  to  their  mother  barbarism,  and  not  to  the  enlightened 
and  patriotic  citizens  of  Missouri ! 

These  prudential  motives  have  not  remained  unperceived,  and  the 
General  Government  has  granted  her  a  half  a  million  acres  of  land  to 
be  applied  to  internal  improvements,  and  for  which  application  the  faith 
of  the  State  is  now  plighted.  But,  instead  of  its  being  applied  by  the 
delegated  wisdom  of  the  State,  the  fund  has  been  given  for  appropria- 
tion to  the  keen  discernment  of  the  various  county  courts!  Such,  on 
application,  approximates  so  nearly  to  individual  enterprise,  that  it  is 
seriously  apprehended  that  no  great  good  will  ever  be  produced  by  it. 

The  improvements  of  the  State  must  necessarily  be  progressive,  and 
it  is  confidently  believed  that  the  proceeds  of  the  Congressional  grant 
will  be  amply  sufficient  for  a  considerable  length  of  time  to  come. 

We  are  aware  that  many  persons,  in  some  portions  of  the  State,  are 
disposed  to  ask  of  Congress  a  change  of  this  grant,  so  that  it  may  be 
applied  to  the  purposes  of  education.  We  have  already  a  large  educa- 
tional fund;  and,  besides,  the  rearing  of  children  is  a  domestic  duty, 
which  the  human  sympathies  never  neglect,  whenever  proper  means 
are  afforded.  Then  give  to  the  State  the  proper  means  of  general  pros- 
perity, and  well  educated  children  will  be  the  natural  consequence  of 
such  prosperity.  While  we  give  to  our  children  good  education,  let  us 
also  give  to  them  a  country  which  will  prove  a  fit  theatre  for  the  action 
of  their  expanded  minds. 

When  we  consider  the  subject  of  internal  improvements,  in  a  national 
point  of  view,  it  loses  none  of  its  importance.  The  several  States  con- 
stitute the  nation,  and  the  national  strength  and  perfection  depends  upon 
the  possession  of  these  qualities  by  the  States.  The  national  treasury, 
too,  is  mainly  supplied  by  commercial  operations.  To  facilitate  trade, 
both  internal  and  foreign,  should  be  the  peculiar  object  of  this  great 
republic,  for  no  prosperous  nation  neglects  it.  Commerce  enriched 
ancient  Carthage,  and  counterbalanced  Roman  fortune,  courage,  and 
greatness.  Nor  has  it  been  less  propitious  to  modern  Europe.  It  has 
decorated  the  marshes  of  Holland  with  the  riches  of  India,  and  it  con- 
stitutes the  crown  of  England's  glory  !  Our  foreign  trade  should  be 
principally  supplied  by  the  products  of  the  interior,  and  they,  in  future 
time,  will  be  sufficient  to  supply  the  deficiencies  of  half  the  globe,  if 
ready  facilities  of  transporting  them  to  the  seaboard  shall  be  afforded. 

It  is  an  inter  ssting  spectacle  to  behold  the  magnificence  of  extent  of  this 
republic.  It  comprehends  within  its  limits  the  temperate  zone!  .Tro- 
pical fruits  enrich  the  gardens  of  our  southern,  while  the  snows  are 
deep  on  our  northern  boundary!  The  Atlantic  billows  announce  to  our 
citizens  the  rising  sun,  and  the  waves  of  the  Pacific  cheer  our  citizens 
with  his  effulgence  at  evening!  Such  is  the  extent  of  our  country,  with 
all  its  consequent  diversity  of  interests  and  pursuits,  throughout  its  im- 


* 

APPENDIX.  £549 

mense  interior!  Without  the  facilities  of  intercommunication,  this  great 
extent,  perhaps,  might  be  thought  a  national  weakness;  for  nothing  is 
so  much  calculated  to  estrange  the  feelings  and  sympathies  of  a  people 
as  distance  and  non-intercourse.  But  the  surest  cement  of  the  Union 
is  a,  general  and  ready  intercourse  throughout  all  its  parts.  To  con- 
quer space,  to  annihilate  distance,  is  the  great  consideration  of  the 
American  people.  Give  a  ready  and  rapid  circulation  of  interests  and 
sentiments,  enlarge  and  accelerate  social  intercourse,  and  you  thereby 
constitute  the  firmest  bonds  of  perpetual  union.  Channels  of  commu* 
nication  throughout  the  interior,are  as  necessary  to  the  healthful  action  of 
the  great  body  politic,  as  the  veins  and  arteries  are  to  the  action  of  the 
heart.  Nature  has  been  exceedingly  bountiful  in  intersecting  the  coun- 
try with  so  many  rivers,  and  belting  it  with  larger  waters.  But  much 
remains  to  be  done  by  the  States.  Nor  have  our  sister  States  been  un*- 
mindful  of  this  great  duty,  the  timely  performance  of  which  they  owe 
to  themselves,  to  the  public  at  large,  and  to  posterity.  Missouri  en»- 
joys  largely  the  benefits  of  internal  improvements  constructed  by  other 
States,  and  will  she  refuse  to  afford  benefits  in  return,  of  a  similar  char*- 
acter,  especially  when  the  General  Government  has  placed  in  her  pos- 
session the  means  of  so  doing? 

When  we  duly  consider  that  our  government,  whether  State  or  na- 
tional, is  exclusively  a  government  of  the  people — that  the  monuments 
of  national  strength  and  glory  must  arise  from  their  hands,  and  wher- 
ever they  are  erected,  the  most  distant  portions  look  to  them  with  equal 
interest  and  pride — when  we  recollect  that  our  fathers,  while  they  were 
securing,  through  blood  and  slaughter,  the  alma  libertas  which  is  our  fe- 
licity now  to  enjoy,  were  enduring  hardships  not  so  much  for  themselves 
as  for  posterity,  we  should  not  be  unmindful  of  the  duty  which  is  due 
from  us  to  our  common  country  and  to  posterity,  of  the  obligations  we 
are  tinder  to  assist  in  giving  that  gradual  perfection  to  our  institutions 
so  necessary  to  their  perpetual  existence. 

Missouri,  with  a  territory  more  extensive  than  any  other  State,  and 
more  highly  blessed  with  the  stores  of  nature's  wealth,  may  perhaps 
continue  to  neglect  them,  while  the  States  around  her,  sensible  of  theii 
self-interest,  and  with  energies  strengthened  by  the  fires  of  patriotism? 
are  "onward  and  upward"  in  their  march.  But  let  Missouri  stand  not 
solitary  and  alone,  in  masterty  inactivity,  and  to  the  patriotic  exertion^ 
of  the  honorable  members  from  the  south-western  portion  of  the  State 
an  extensive  community  look  with  enlivened  anxiety  arid  confidence. 

F.  P.  WRIGHT, 
JAMES  M.  MAJOR, 
JAMES  WINSTON 


A* 


250  «  APPENDIX, 


• 


REPORT 


OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  INTERNAL   IMPROVEMENTS, 

In  favor  of  a  Geological  Survey  of  the  State. 


HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  > 
January  22,  1847.      \ 

The  Committee  on  Internal  Improvements,  to  whom  was  referred  so 
much  of  the  Governor's  Message  as  relates  to  a  geological  survey  of 
the  State,  have  maturely  considered  the  subject  committed  to  their 
charge,  and  »beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  are  deeply  impressed  with 
the  importance  and  necessity  of  the  measures  sought  for,  and  recom- 
mend a  geological  survey  of  the  State. 

Your  committee  were  not  averse  to  combining  n  zoological  and  bota- 
nical, with  a  geological  survey;  but  were  deterred  from  the  recom- 
mendation by  a  consideration  of  the  expense  and  remote  attendant  ad- 
vantages ;  but  would  suggest  that  it  be  kept  in  view,  and  appropriation 
made  as  soon  as  the  finances  of  the  State  will  warrant  such  an  outlay. 

The  object  of  geology  is  the  investigation  of  the  structure  of  the 
earth;  of  the  mineral  and  organic  substnnces  of  which  it  is  composed, 
and  of  their  relations  to  one  another;  of  the  changes  which  have  oc- 
curred in  its  physical  condition  during  the  revolutions  of  time,  and  the 
influence  they  have  exercised  in  bringing  about  the  present  order  of 
things,  together  with  the  laws  which  have  governed  the  world  during 
its  different  epochs,  while  it  furnishes  the  best  guide  for  discovering 
the  various  mineral  ingredients,  which  occur  in  the  earth. 

Connected  so  intimitely  with  the  great  interests  of  mankind,  it  has 
not  failed  to  attract  the  most  earnest  attention  in  every  portion  of  the 
civilized  world;  and  it  has  been  justly  remarked,  that  a  correct  scale 
of  the  intelligence  and  prosperity  of  nations  could  be  formed  by  dis- 
cerning the  relative  degrees  in  which  they  have  cultivated  this  science. 

The  importance  and  value  attached  to  geology  in  Europe,  are  fully 
supported  by  the  measures  which  the  governments  of  England,  France, 
and  Russia,  have  instituted  to  secure  minute  and  accurate  geological 
surveys.  England  has  just  completed  the  "  ordinance  geological  sur- 
vey," under  the  able  directions  of  H.  T.  De  la""Bach.  It  embraces  a 
very  detailed  account  of  the  geology  of  the  country,  and  is  accompa- 
nied with  numerous  colored  maps  and  sections  ;  and  this  is  of  a  region 
where  there  had  been  previous  surveys  and  examinations,  by  all  their 
distinguished  geologists,  for  more  than  a  half  a  century.  Still,  the 
government,  in  consideration  of  the  importance  of  the  subject,  had  this 
most  thorough  and  complete  survey  made. 

France,  too,  has  been  engaged  for  nearly  twenty  years,  in  executing 
a  geological  survey  and  map  of  their  whole  kingdom.  The  work  has 
been  completed  by  M.  M.  Elie-de-Beunmont  and  M.  M.  Dufrenoy. 
Even  Russia  has  had  an  examination  of  her  rocks  and  minerals  by 
Messrs,  Murchison  and  Verncuil.  At  the  close  of  their  observations 


APPENDIX.  251 

they  were  both  knighted  by  the  Czar,  in  acknowledgment  of  the  ser- 
vices they  had  rendered  the  country  and  the  value  set  on  their  labors. 

It  is  gratifying,  therefore,  to  perceive  that  the  American  people 
have  not  been  found  behind  the  age,  as  our  own  government  has  had 
David  Dale  Owen  employed  as  United  States  geologist,  and  a  survey 
has  been  made  of  the  territories  of  Iowa  and  Wisconsin,  a  valuable, 
minute  and  complete  report  has  been  the  result.  Twenty-two  ot"  the 
States  in  the  Union  have  engaged  in  the  >work ;  in  ten  of  them  the 
work  is  already  finished;  many  of  our  western  sister  States,  have  or- 
dered surveys,  of  which  valuable  reports  have  been  made  ;  that  of 
Ohio,  by  Charles  Whittlesey  and  associates  ;  of  Indianjby  D.  D.  Owen. 
A  reconnoisance  report  has  been  made  of  Kentucky^  and  it  is  expected 
a  detailed  survey  will  be  ordered  this  winter.  A  survey  has  been  or- 
dered in  Arkansas,  and  preparatory  steps  were  taken  at  the  last  session 
of  the  legislature  of  Illinois,  for  a  similar  purpose  in  that  State. 

But  researches  and  investigations  elsewhere,  will  not  avail  us  in 
illustrating  our  resources,  providing  they  were  to  be  discovered  in 
similar  formations  ;  much  less,  when  the  rocks  differ  so  widely  in  thek 
character  and  mineral  contents. 

Nor  should  these  interests  be  any  longer  left  to  individuals  in  their 
private  capacities,  and  at  their  own  expense.  True,  they  have  ac- 
complished much,  and  m'ay  yet  do  more  in  this  way;  and  to  those  en- 
terprizing  citizens  of  the  mineral  regions,  whose  labors  exerted  under 
such  unfavorable  auspices,  have  nevertheless  succeeded  so  well,  are 
entitled  to  the  highest  praise,  as  disinterested  promoters  of  the  public 
welfare.  But  it  should  not  be  left  to  individual  exertion,  as  much 
would  be  lost  for  the  want  of  exact  knowledge  in  this  department  of 
science;  and  in  particular,  much  would  be  expended  in  speculations 
in  a  business,  the  principles  of  which  are  but  little  known,  and  but 
imperfectly  established  among  our  citizens.  The  expression  of  these 
views  are  unimportant  to  the  enlightened  body  before  whom  they  are 
to  be  laid ;  yet  they  may  assist  in  sustaining  a  policy  which  may  not  be 
so  well  understood  by  those  whose  means  of  information  are  for  any 
cause  deficient. 

The  objects  of  geological  surveys  are  to  arrive  at  a  correct  know- 
ledge in  detail  of  the  earth's  structure  ;  its  hidden  contents;  their  con- 
dition, and  their  relation  to  the  uses  of  man.  Some  of  the  most  obvi- 
ous benefits  to  be  derived  from  them  are,  to  gain  a  knowledge  of  the 
existence  or  absence  of  useful  and  valuable  ores  and  minerals,  as  well 
as  a  great  variety  of  other  materials  found  either  in  the  soil,  under  the 
soil,  or  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  which  may  be  important  in  an 
economical  point  of  view.  For  instance,  coal,  ores  of  iron,  zinc,  lead, 
tin,  copper,  antimony,  arsenic,  bismuth,  cobalt,  nickel,  silver,  gold, 
and  other  metals,  useful  in  the  arts  ;  limestone,  suitable  for  marble, 
lithographic  uses,  ornamental  purposes,  or  for  burning  into  lime  ;  roof- 
ing slates  ;  clays  for  pottery,  porcelain,  earthern  ware,  stone  ware,  and 
modelling,  or  for  making  common  bricks,  fire  bricks  ;  sands  for  glass  ; 
rock  salt,  or  brines;  copperas,  allum,  soda,  saltpetre,  epsom  or  glauber 
salts ;  hydraulic  cement ;  durable  materials  for  construction,  whether 
they  are  freestone,  limestone,  granite,  lignite,  porphyry,  or  serpentine ; 
gypsum ;  fluxes  for  the  reduction  of  metalic  ores  ;  marls  or  other  min- 
eral manures  proper  for  the  improvement  of  the  soil. 


APPENDIX. 


The  discovery  of  these,  however,  is  but  a  small  part  of  the  informa- 
tion to  be  gained  by  geological  researches,  for  many  valuable  minerals 
or  materials  may  be  almost  worthless,  either  from  being  accessible 
only  at  a  great  cost  or  from  injurious  admixture  of  other  substances,  or 
from  lying  in  beds  or  veins  too  inconsiderable  to  warrant  the  expense 
of  working  them,  or  because  they  run  into  the  earth  in  such  manner 
that  the  excavation  would  become  too  expensive  to  keep  the  mine  in- 
working  condition.  It  would  be  the  duty  of  the  geologist  to  investi- 
gate, in  an  especial  manner,  all  these  points,  as  well  as  others  which 
may  have  an  important  bearing  on  the  commercial  value  of  such  dis- 
coveries. Suppose,  for  example,  the  geologist  had  discovered  a  bed 
of  coal,  he  would  ascertain  its  thickness,  what  inclination  or  dip  it  has., 
that  is,  whether  it  pitches  into  the  hill  or  towards  the  valley;  by  which 
alone,  the  practicability  of  draining  the  mine  can  be  determined,  and 
what  underlays  and  overlaps  it;  for,  on  the  hardness  and  stability  of 
the  roof,  as  a  coal  mine,  depends  the  necessity  of  proping,  which  in- 
volves great  expense.  He  would  ascertain  the  quality  of  the  coal7 
which  in  many  instances  may  require  an  accurate  chemical  analysis, 
since  foreign  minerals  disseminated  through  coal,  may  render  it  almost 
worthless.  He  would  make  observations  with  the  proper  instruments 
at  various  points,  to  determine  at  what  depth  any  given  seam  of  coal 
may  be  found,  either  in  the  body  of  a  hill  or  beneath  the  general  level 
of  the  country,  after  disappearing  from  the  surface.  Observations 
would  determine  the  range,  extent,  and  bearing  of  the  seams  of  coal, 
which  would  determine  the  precise  area,  and  extent  of  the  coal-field. 

The  extent  or  practicability  of  working  each  bed  or  vein  of  iron, 
copper,  lead,  or  other  metallic  ore,  would  be  determined  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  coal  ;  and  the  nature  of  the  vein,  stone,  wall  rock,  and 
appearance  of  earth  surrounding  the  ore,  the  admixture  or  dissemina- 
tion of  rock  through  the  ore,  the  practicability  of  draining  or  freeing 
the  works  from  water,  besides  a  thousand  minor  investigations  which 
will  determine  its  profitableness  or  value. 

The  same  examinations  would  be  made  of  the  extent,  area,  quality, 
and  quantity  of  the  strata  of  rocks,  clays,  sands,  or  earth,  that  could  be 
used  lor  building  purposes,  or  that  might  afford  salt,  soda,  copperas, 
saltpetre,  or  lime  cement;  clays  suitable  for  porcelain,  earthern  ware, 
stone  ware;  sand  suitable  for  the  manufacture  of  glass,  &c.  If  a  me- 
talic  ore  should  be  found,  which  the  geologist  had  reasons  to  believe 
had  been  derived  from  some  neighboring  vein,  he  would  endeavor  to 
trace  the  specimen  to  its  natural  vein  ;  having  discovered  this,  he 
would  determine  the  course  of  the  vein;  then,  by  "prospecting,"  as- 
Certain  its  extent  as  well  as  its  thickness. 

The  most  important  and  valuable  of  all  minerals,  to  an  industrious 
and  cultivated  people,  is,  perhaps,  coal  ;  and  will  ultimately  be  found 
so  to  the  people  of  this  State,  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  timber. 
One  of  the  objects  of  a  geological  survey,  would  be  to  determine  the 
precise  area  and  extent  of  the  coal  field  in  our  State,  (which  we  be- 
lieve will  be  found  to  extend  over  at  least  one  half  of  the  State,  and 
connected  in  the  northeast  with  the  great  Illinois  coal  field,)  so  the 
people  might  know  in  what  area  this  combustible  is  likely  to  be  found, 
and  at  what  depth,  and  where  it  would  be  useless  to  search  for  it.  Im- 
mense sums  of  money,  more  than  enough  for  a  detailed  survey,  are  ex- 


~  ,  • 

APPENDIX.  253 

pended  in  almost  every  State  in  the  Union  in  search  of  coal,  in  districts 
of  country  where  it  is  impossible  to  find  it.  An  experienced  geologist, 
as  soon  as  he  gets  a  view  of  the  surface  rock,  can  at  once  pronounce, 
with  the  utmost  certainty,  as  to  the  possibility  and  impossibility  of 
finding  coal.  There  is  no  formation  which  is  of  more  importance, 
which  should  be  more  accurately  surveyed.  Some  of  the  coal  depos- 
ites  in  this  State  are  represented  to  have  a  workable  thickness  of  forty 
feet,  being  nearly  twice  the  thickness  of  any  in  Europe,  and,  hi  extent, 
many  times  greater  than  their  ''great  coal  field,"  as  they  term  it. 

There  have  been  calculations  made  of  general  accuracy,  of  which 
there  is  no  doubt,  when  we  consider  the  minute  geological  surveys  of 
that  country,  showing  the  time  it  will  take  to  exhaust  the  coal  in  Eng- 
land. When  this  time  cornes,  what  is  to  become  of  her  Manchesters, 
Birminghams  and  Sheffields?  3?he  "workshops  of  the  world"  will  be 
found  in  the  coal-fields  of  the  United  Stetes.  Among  the  causes  \\hich 
will  facilitate  the  westward  course  of  empire,  and  cause  it  to  seek  its 
permanent  abode  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  Missouri  and  Osage, 
none  are  more  important  than  the  mineral  wealth  of  the  region  drained 
by  those  mighty  rivers.  A  bushel  of  coal,  economically  applied  to  the 
most  efficient  form  of  steam  engine?  will  do  the  work  of  sixteen  horses 
or  eighty-eight  men.  Who  can  calculate  the  industrial  facilities  of  the 
coal  region  of  Missouri? — a  region  exceeding  in  size  many  of  the  king- 
doms of  Europe.  The  coal  basin  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Louis  is  capa- 
ble of  producing,  annually,  an  amount  of  coal  that,  properly  applied, 
would  equal  the  labor  of  fifty  millions  of  men.  The  coal  mines  of  Mis- 
souri have  the  capacity  of  yielding,  for  thousands  of  years,  an  annual 
quantity  of  coal  which  may  be*  made  to  do  more  work  than  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  whole  world. 

In  a  geological  survey  of  our  State,  the  mineral  regions,  and  partic- 
ularly the  valuable  ores  of  iron,  copper  and  lead,  would  be  minutely 
examined;  the  indications  as  to  their  presence  would  receive  a  full  in- 
vestigation, in  order  that  a  system  of  rules  might  be  formed,  by  which 
the  miner  could  judge  of  the  presence  or  absence  of  any  given  mineral: 
the  extent  of  the  mineral  region,  and  where  it  would  be  probably  of 
use  to  make  examinations  for  ores  of  lead,  iron,  copper,  cobalt,  nickel, 
&c. 

Besides  these  economical  considerations,  there  are  others,  which  re- 
late to  science  in  general,  and  which  would  be  promoted  by  exact  and 
particular  observation,  on  the  accumulation  of  mineral  matter.  Every 
fact  would  be  brought  out  which  bears  even  remotely  on  the  subject. — 
By  ordering  such  a  survey,  only  may  we  hope  to  advance  the  science 
of  geology  in  our  State,  and  place  it  on  a  foundation  that  will  make  it 
useful  to  the  miner,  the  mechanic,  and  the  agriculturist. 

A  geological  survey  would  be  of  particular  benefit,  to  the  miner  as 
the  geologist,  in  that  part  of  the  report  relating  to  metallurgy — would 
give  the  art  of  reducing  metals  from  their  ores,  and  working  them  into 
different  forms;  also  their  quality  and  value;  whether  they  would  smelt 
easily,  and  the  per  centage  they  would  yield  in  the  furnace,  and  the 
quality  of  the  metal,  and  the  most  economical  mode  of  smelting  them, 
with  suggestions  and  plans  for  building  furnaces  and  other  necessary 
machinery,  as  well  as  how  near  it  may  be  situated  to  coal  or  timber, 
water  power,  the  proper  fluxes,  and  building  materials,  &c.  For,  with 


APPE.MJIX. 


the  proper  information,  iron,  copper,  zinc,  nickel,  and  cobalt  could  be 
manufactured  to  any  extent. 

Iron.  —  So  plentiful  is  this  mineral,  that  Missouri  has  been  styled  the 
4  'Iron  State,"  and  there  is  probably  no  portion  of  the  world  that  can  vie 
with  us  either  in  quantity  or  quality  of  this  most  valuable  of  all  metalic 
ores.  It  is  to  this  metal  we  owe  our  superiority  over  uncivilized  man. 
Its  magnetic  properties  guided  the  skilful  mariner  across  the  ocean,  and 
enabled  European  civilization  to  extend  itself  to  this  country.  Such  is 
its  abundance,  that  in  many  places  it  is  only  to  be  quarried  as  the  com- 
mon rocks  of  the  country,  and  all  the  varieties  oi  ore  found  either  suit- 
able for  malleable  iron,  steel,  or  castings.  With  all  these  advantages, 
there  is  not  within  this  State  more  than  two  furnaces  for  smelting  iron, 
and  one  of  these  has  been  erected  but  recently,  while  the  States  of 
Pennsylvania,  New  York,  and  Tennessee,  are  deriving  an  immense  in- 
come from  their  iron  works,  possessing  but  a  moiety  of  our  advantages; 
but  they  have  all  had  geological  surveys,  and  their  limited  resources, 
compared  with  ours,  made  known. 

It  is  only  within  a  few  years  that  the  Iron  Mountain  has  been  heard 
of  —  that  unrivalled  deposit  of  iron  —  and  the  accounts  of  it  even  now  are 
so  vague,  that  there  can  be  no  great  reliance  placed  on  them;  and  of 
many  other  immense  deposits  there  is  still  less  information. 

Copper.  —  This  valuable  metal  stands  next  to  iron  in  its  economical 
value,  and  is  indispensable  in  the  arts.  Our  copper  ores,  by  scientific 
investigation,  no  doubt,  will  be  found  to*  be  as  rich  and  valuable  as  the 
famed  Lake  Superior  ores,  the  richest  in  the  world,  and  which  have 
attracted  so  much  attention  within  the  last  few  years.  The  lamented 
Dr.  Houghton  first  called  attention  to  them  by  his  geological  survey 
of  that  region,  ordered  by  the  State  of  Michigan.  We  believe  they  are 
not  worked,  (with  but  a  single  exception  in  the  State,  and  that  not 
very  successfully,)  for  the  want  of  information  as  to  the  most  proper 
mode  of  smelting  —  kind  of  furnaces,  fluxes,  &c.  —  which  can  only  be 
determined  by  a  most  accurate  analysis  of  the  various  ores,  which  no 
private  individuals  feel  warranted  in  making. 

Some  little  impure  copper  has  been  made  at  several  places  in  the 
State  from  the  carbonate.  One  of  the  most  easily  wrought  of  the  ores, 
a  gentleman  of  science,  Dr.  J.  O.  Mullowny,  who  has  had  some  exper- 
ience in  the  matter,  says,  that  all  that  has  been  done  so  far,  has  been 
done  at  great  loss. 

Zinc.  —  This  useful  metal  has  never  been  smelted  within  the  State, 
though  the  ore  is  found  in  abundance.  It  is  daily  becoming  more  im- 
portant in  the  arts,  and  has  been  steadily  increasing  in  price  for  some 
years.  For  the  want  of  proper  information  for  smelting  it,  our  State  is 
deprived  of  a  large  revenue,  as  sale  could  be  found  for  any  quantity  of 
the  metal. 

Lead.  —  This  is  the  only  ore  that  is  worked  to  any  extent  within  the 
State;  it  is  easily  reduced,  and  but  little  skill  is  required  in  obtaining 
the  metal.  But  the  profits  of  a  furnace  depend  on  the  workmen  able 
to  obtain  the  largest  possible  quantity  from  the  ore.  There  are  now 
about  thirty  furnaces  in  the  State.  The  amount  of  lead  smelted  must 
be  from  thirty  to  thirty-five  millions  of  pounds,  and  worth  more  than  a 
million  of  dollars,  being  as  much  as  all  the  hemp  and  tobacco  raised  in  the 
State.  But  who  can  say  that  the  business  is  conducted  in  the  best  man- 


If 

I  APPENDIX.  255 

ner?  They  are  now  collecting  and  smelting  over  the  cinders  they  threw 
away  but  a  few  years  since,  and  collecting  the  ore  they  passed  over  as 
worthless.  In  Europe  they  find  it  a  profitable  business  to  extract  the 
silver  that  is  fourfd  in  the  lead.  It  is  only  a  few  years  since  they  had 
much  difficulty  and  great  loss  in  smelting  the  lead  at  one  of  the  princi- 
pal mines  in  the  State,  on  account  of  some  foreign  mineral  being  found 
in  it,  which  would  have  been  remedied  in  a  few  hours  by  the  geologist. 

A  gentleman,  eminent  for  his  scientific  acquirements,  Dr.  H.  King, 
who  resides  in  the  mineral  region,  says  there  is  a  larger  amount  lost 
every  year  by  the  smelters  than  would  pay  for  a  geological  survey,  in 
not  knowing  the  proper  fluxes  to  smelt  some  of  the  lead  ores  that  have 
other  metals  associated  with  them. 

Cobalt  and  Nickel— Two  very  valuable  metals  in  the  arts,  are  found 
in  abundance;  and,  of  the  former,  the  deposit  is  the  most  valuable  of 
any  known  in  the  world;  but  no  attempt,  with  a  single  exception,  have 
ever  been  made  to  work  them. 

This  sketch  of  valuable  ores  could  be  extended  to  a  greater  length, 
even  with  the  knowledge  that  is  possessed,  but  these  will  suffice  to  show 
that  the  mineral  resources  of  Missouri,  if  properly  developed,  must 
form  an  important  element  of  her  future  greatness. 

During  a  geological  survey,  the  origin  and  consequence  of  earth- 
quakes, in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  State,  would  be  studied;  the 
probability  of  danger  by  commotions  taking  place;  the  practicability 
and  best  manner  of  draining  the  swamps  and  ponds  in  that  region  and 
elsewhere;  the  proper  place  to  levee,  so  that  the  water  would  be  pre- 
vented from  seaping  through  under  them,  and  thereby  rendering  them 
useless;  besides,  valuable  information  would  be  obtained,  which  would 
serve  as  a  guide  in  estimating  the  cost  and  proper  location  of  internal 
improvements;  as  the  most  practicable  routes  for  railroads  and  other 
internal  improvements  have  been  pointed  out  by  the  geologists  of  the 
States  through  which  they  have  passed,  which  is  easily  accounted  for 
from  the  intimate  connection  of  the  the  form  of  the  surface  with  the 
geological  arrangement.  An  exact  knowledge  of  the  latter  would  fur- 
nish the  truest  guide  in  all  topographical  investigations  for  such  pur- 
poses. 

The  measurement  of  hills  and  strata  necessarily  taken,  would  show 
the  relative  highths  of  summit  levels,  and  the  amount  of  earth  and  rock 
excavations  required  in  cutting  through  hills,  as  well  as  the  fillings  and 
embankments  necessary  in  carrying  a  road  across  valleys.  The  acces- 
sibility of  the  proper  material  for  metaling  roads,  would  also  become 
known,  which  will  be  of  the  greatest  importance  in  the  constructing  of 
turnpikes,  as  materials  are  frequently  put  on  that  disappear  in  the  shape 
of  mud  and  dust,  in  a  a  few  years.  Most  of  the  expense  of  keeping 
McAdamized  roads  in  repair,  is  occasioned  by  the  quality  of  the  mate- 
rials of  which  they  are  constructed. 

A  want  of  knowledge  with  regard  to  the  durability  of  materials  of 
construction,  has  been  a  source  of  vast  pecuniary  loss,  especially  in 
public  works  in  the  west;  many  costly  structures  are  fast  crumbling 
before  the  atmospheric  vicissitudes,  in  consequence  of  employing  a 
building  rock  of  a  perishable  character,  that  will  scale,  or  crumble  to 
sand  or  powder  in  a  few  years;  while  others  might  be  contaminated  by 
the  presence  of  pyrites  and  protoxyd  of  iron,  both  of  which  not  only 


236  APPENDIX. 

produce  unsightly  stains,  but  greatly  injure  the  quality.  The  rocks  that 
would  crumble  by  the  action  of  frost,  might  answer  for  permanent  ar- 
chitecture in  a  milder  climate^  and  thus  be  a  source  of  wealth  to  our 
State. 

An  experienced  geologist  would  determine  these  points.  Could  we 
enumerate  the  aggregate  sum  lost  yearly  to  the  citizens  of  the  State, 
by  the  employment  of  unsound  materials  in  private  structures,  we  have 
no  hesitation  in  saying  it  would  amount  to  double  the  necessary  appro- 
appropriation  for  a  thorough  geological  survey. 

A  chenfical  analysys  of  the  limestones,  and  how  they  would  act  in 
the  fire,  their  power  of  slacking,  strength  of  the  mortar,  whether  suit- 
able for  cement  for  the  construction  of  cisterns,  dams,  water-proof  cel- 
lars, &c.,  or  for  agricultural  purposes,  and  all  other  practical  operations 
for  which  they  are  required,  and  the  precise  quantity  of  the  lime  ne- 
cessary, will  be  carefully  exhibited.  It  is  frequently  the  case  that  an 
inferior  article  is  used,  when  a  better  could  have  been  easily  obtained. 

The  geologist  would  also  make  an  analysis  of  the  various  waters. — 
The  settlers  of  the  country  feel  great  interest  in  being  assured  of  the 
salubrity  of  the  water  of  their  wells  and  springs.  It  would  be  his  duty 
also  to  inquire  how  sections  of  country,  apparently  without  water,  might, 
by  artificial  means,  be  supplied  with  an  abundance  of  an  article  so  in- 
dispensable to  man  and  beast. 

By  a  survey,  the  resources  of  the  State  would  be  illustrated;  and  by 
spreading  information  abroad  respecting  their  nature,  emigration  would 
be  induced,  and  our  citizens  kept  at  home,  through  the  profitable  in- 
vestments which  would  be  pointed  out  for  their  capital.  The  value  of 
individual  property,  the  aggregate  of  which  forms  the  sum  of  the  State 
wealth,  would  be  greatly  increased;  new  resources  wx>uld  be  discov- 
ered, and  the  extent  and  value  of  those  now  but  little  known,  would  be 
ascertained  and  reported;  mines  and  minerals  would  be  brought  to 
light  and  wrought,  and  fabrics  that  are  now  imported  at  high  cost 
would  be  easily  produced  at  a  cheaper  rate  at  home,  which  would  have 
the  double  effect  of  retaining  capital  and  promoting  domestic  industry. 
The  immediate  results  of  which  would  be  the  increase  of  the  common 
wealth  of  the  State,  and  the  alleviations  of  the  public  burdens  by  tax- 
ation or  otherwise.  The  saving  of  time,  labor  and  expense  in  vain  re- 
searches after  lead  and  other  metals,  and  for  coal  and  salt  in  districts 
where  such  substances  never  occur,  would  annually  amount  to  more 
than  the  cost  of  a  geological  survey;*  besides,  it  would  check  decep- 
tions in  mineral  substances,  as  the  whole  community  would  possess  the 
same  sources  of  information,  so  that  one  man  could  not  practice  to  any 
extent  upon  the  ignorance  and  credulity  of  others. 

The  cabinet  of  minerals  which  would  be  collected  for  the  State, 
would  become  one  of  the  most  interesting  objects  to  citizens  and  stran- 

*  Some  years  ago,  twenty  thousand  pounds  were  expended  in  England  in  a  useless  search 
for  coal  in  Hastings  sand.  'Although  there  we  re  some  apparent  indications,  a  jjeoligisl  could 
at  once  have  predicted  failure.  "All  are  familiar,"  says  James  Hall,  "with  the  mining  en- 
terprizes,  now  less  frequent,  in  search  of  coal  along  the  valley  of  the  Hudson,  in  which 
there  have  been  expended  more  than  a  half  a  million  of  dollars  within  the  last  fifty  years." — 
And  Murchison,  in  his  treatises  on  the  geology  of  Wales,  remarks,  that  more  wealth  has 
been  expended  in  the  useless  search  for  coal  in  that  part  of  the  country,  than  all  the  geolo- 
gical investigations  of  the  whole  world  have  cost. 


-'.  - 

APPENDIX.  257 

gers  visiting  the  capitol,  and  present  at  once  the  means  of  judging  re's-  ' 
pecting  the  relative  value  of  any  important  mineral  in  the  State,  and 
might  come  to  the  means  of  settling  questions  concerning  acts  of  incor- 
poration for  working  mines,  and  thereby  prevent  much  fraud,  as  the 
committee  might  be  at  once  referred  to  specimens  in  the  cabinet  by 
which  they  would  perceive  whether  there  were  well  founded  reasons 
for  granting  the  charter. 

Of  all  the  arts,  none  are  more  likely  to  be  improved  by  geological 
examination,  than  that  of  agriculture,  since  the  composition  of  soils  in- 
dicates their  fertility,  or  capability  of  improvement,  and  the  causes  of 
barrenness.  The  science  of  Geology  demonstrates  the  origin  and  dis- 
tribution of  the  mineral  matters  constituting  the  basis  of  all  soils,  to 
which  they  chiefly  owe  their  peculiarities. 

The  amendments  required  would  be  determined  by  the  geologist,  who 
would  make  known  whether  the  required  materials  occur  in  the  vicinity 
where  they  are  wanted;  for  it  would  be  of  no  use  to  the  farmer  to  in- 
form him  that  the  substance  required  occured  a  hundred  miles  off;  be- 
cause the  large  quantity  of  matter  demanded  would  forbid  the  expense 
of  distant  transportation.  '  Every  enlightened  farmer  appreciates  now 
the  value  of  the  knowledge  to  be  obtained  by  a  correct  analysis  of  his 
soil,  both  with  regard  to  its  peculiar  fitness  for  the  production  of  certain 
crops,  and  the  manures  proper  to  be  applied  in  cases  where  some  one 
or  more  of  its  constituents  have  been  measurably  or  wholly  exhausted. 

It  will  no  longer  suffice,  however,  to  make  an  approximate  analysis 
of  the  earthy  and  organic  matters  and  salts. 

An  analysis,  to  be  useful,  or,  in  other  words,  to  enable  the  agricultu- 
rist to  form  a  correct  opinion  of  the  crop  suitable  for  any  of  his  different 
soils,  and  to  suggest  the  proper  organic  or  inorganic  manures  for  his 
land,  must  be  carried  to  the  utmost  nicety,  so  as  to  determine,  even  to 
the  fraction  of  a  grain,  the  quantity  of  acids,  alkalis,  and  metalic  oxyds 
which  enter  into  its  composition.  This  is  not  to  be  accomplished  in  an 
hour  or  a  day,  by  the  rough  estimates  formerly  resorted  to;  it  requires 
weeks  of  the  most  rigid  manipulation,  and  the  application  of  the  most 
improved  process  in  chemistry.  Such  investigations  ought  to  be  among 
the  leading  features  of  a  geological  survey. 

A  thorough  inquiry  into  all  of  the  before  mentioned  topics — and  the 
actual  state  of  the  country,  with  its  available  resources,  are  only  to  be 
developed  by  such  researches — idle  and  fraudulent  speculations  origi- 
nating from  self-delusions  and  impostures,  would  be  thoroughly  check- 
ed, and  erroneous  opinions  concerning  minerals  would  be  corrected, 
and  vast  sums  of  time  and  money  would  be  saved  to  the  people  every 
year.  A  handful  of  iron  ore  would  no  longer  be  liable  to  be  taken  for 
an  inexhaustable  and  valuable  mine,  but  those  ores  which  are  really 
valuable  would  be  fully  explored  and  described,  and  the  exact  quantity 
that  might  be  depended  upon  for  the  supply  of  the  furnace  be  made 
known;  the  situation,  extent  and  value  of  every  available  quarry  be 
described,  and  the  quality  of  the  rock  tested. 

Your  committee,  influenced  by  the  above  considerations,  have,  with 
a  perfect  unanimity,  worthy  of  the  subject  and  importance  of  the  ob- 
ject to  be  accomplished,  instructed  me  to  report  the  accompanying  bill 
and  recommend  its  passage. 

DEWITT  C.  BALLOU,  of  Benton, 
32A*.  Chairman. 


358  APPENDIX. 

i 

•>    xs-  _,  >•  -    N  r>     3- 1  -. 

-    r'     •,•          -     >'    ^   ;    ,     '.    *-\.'../ 

\ 

REPORTS  OF  STANDING,  COMMITTEES 

COMMITTEE  ON  FEDERAL   RELATIONS, 

MR.  SPEAKER: 

The  Committee  on  Federal  Relations,  to  whom  was  referred  the 
message  of  the  Governor,  in  relation  to  the  imprisonment  of  Jonathan 
Riggs,  late  of  Schuyler  county,  by  the  authorities  of  Iowa  Territory, 
have  instructed  me  to  make  the  following 

REPORT: 

That  after  the  organization  of  the  county  of  Schuyler,  by  the  last 
General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Missouri^  it  was  found  difficult  to  in- 
duce any  one  to  accept  the  office  of  sheriff  of  said  county,  in 
consequence  of  the  dispute  existing  between  this  State  and  Iowa  Ter- 
ritory, as  to  which  was  entitled  to  jurisdiction  over  a  portion  of  territory 
embraced  within  the  limits  of  said  county  .Frequent  disturbances  occur- 
ed  between  those  living  in  the  disputed  territory.  Iowa  resolutely  main- 
tained her  right  to  the  territory  in  dispute,  and  no  citizen  of  this  State 
could  attempt  to  enforce  the  laws  aver  the  same,  without  subjecting 
himself  to  all  the  evil  consequences  of  a  collision  with  the  government 
of  Iowa.  It  required  no  ordinary  degree  of  firmness  and  moral  courage 
to  attempt  this  dangerous  office.  Jonathan  Riggs,  under  these  circum- 
stances, was  recommended  to  the  Executive  of  this  State  as  a  man  well 
qualified  for  the  emergency;  and,  at  the  solicitation  of  friends,  was  ap- 
pointed sheriff  of  said  county.  Riggs  entered  upon  the  discharge  of 
the  duties  of  his  office,  soon  after  his  appointment.  In  the  month  of  May 
succeeding  while  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  office,  and  while  as- 
serting, and  enforcing  the  sovereignty  of  Missouri  over  the  territory  in 
dispute,  and  executing  her  laws  in  the  same,  as  a  true  and  faithful  citi- 
zen, was  arrested  by  those  acting  under  the  laws  of  Iowa — taken  to  the 
jail  in  Van  Buren  county  in  said  territory,  and  there  incarcerated  in 
the  same  dungeon  with  a  felon,  under  sentence  of  death.  Riggs'  of- 
fence consisted  in  asserting  and  maintaining  the  sovereignty  of  Missouri, 
over  the  territory  in  dispute,  and  faithfully  discharging  his  duties  as  a 
citizen  and  officer;  and  for  this  offence,  he  was  snatched  from  his  fami- 
ly, deprived  of  his  liberty,  and  subjected  to  all  the  privations  and  hard- 
ships of  a  common  felon.  To  add  to  the  peculiar  hardship  of  his  case, 
he  is,  as  your  committee  are  informed,  a  poor  man,  with  a  large  family 
dependant  on  his  own  labor  for  support.  At  the  busy  season  of  thefyear, 
when  the  farmers  are  planting  their  corn,  and  sowing  for  the  harvest, 
he  is  suddenly  snatched  from  the  bosom  of  his  family,  are  left  in  suffer- 
ing and  want,  and  the  mntal  anguish  consequent  upon  such  a  state  of 
facts,  is  added  to  his  bodily  sufferings.  All  this  he  bore  with  patience 
and  fortitude  byoyed  by  th#  hope  and  belief  that,  at  the  hands  of  conn- 


, 


s= 


YC  1 04852 


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